Can Music Really Protect the Aging Brain?

We’ve all felt the calming power of music, but new evidence suggests it may also help lower dementia risk in older adults.

This October 2025 study by Jaffa, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, followed more than 10,000 Australian adults aged 70+. Those who regularly listened to music had a significantly lower risk of dementia, and playing an instrument was linked to similarly strong benefits. Notably, people who both listened to and played music saw the greatest reduction in risk.

Because this is observational research, the findings show association—not proof—but they highlight a promising connection between musical engagement and healthier cognitive aging.

Learn More: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/gps.70163